Ear surgery (otoplasty)

The most common ear disfiguration is “protruding ears” but this can be corrected using surgery. This disfiguration may vary but the procedure aims to reshape cartilage in order to achieve a more “normal” appearance.

Surgery is performed under a local anaesthetic or under general anaesthetic depending on the age of the patient and individual patient preferences. An incision is made behind the ear and is thus not visible.

The patient can return home after a short rest but needs to use a headband round the clock to cover their ears for the first week following surgery. A short convalescence period may be advisable due to the associated swelling and discoloration. Stitches do not need to be removed since absorbable stitches are used which is a considerable advantage especially for young patients.

Complications other than those applying to all surgical procedures are rare but in some cases correction may be required to even out any unevenness.